Ronaldo’s 865th Goal Gives Portugal Lead vs Liechtenstein
In the realm of football, where legends etch their stories, one figure stands tall like a colossus amidst the game’s narrative tapestry. Cristiano Ronaldo, the ageless maestro, wove another chapter into his illustrious career fabric, notching his 865th career goal. Portugal’s EURO 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein became the canvas for his artistry.
A seasoned 38-year-old, Ronaldo defies the tides of time, painting masterpieces for both club and country. Thursday night witnessed his 108th competitive international goal for Portugal, a testament to his unwavering prowess.
Liechtenstein, the valiant underdogs, held fort until halftime, guarding their clean sheet. However, Ronaldo’s hunger remained unquenched. Just 46 minutes into the game, he seized the moment. A sublime outside-of-the-boot pass from Liverpool’s Diogo Jota found its mark, setting the stage for Ronaldo’s clinical finish.
His goal not only propelled Portugal but also etched his name alongside Romelu Lukaku as the joint top-scorer in EURO 2024 qualifying with 10 goals.
Despite hinting at concluding his international journey after the last winter’s World Cup, Ronaldo declared his intent to grace Euro 2024. At the Quinas de Ouro ceremony in September the previous year, he voiced his determination to lead Portugal to glory, stating, “My path in the national team is not over.”
In the lead-up to Thursday’s clash in Group J, Diogo Jota, a rising talent, acknowledged Ronaldo’s influence, emphasizing the lessons of learning from the experienced. “I always look up to [Cristiano] Ronaldo,” he shared, “and I think he scored more goals since he has been over 30 than before he was 30, so that shows as well it’s doable.”
The tale of Ronaldo transcends mere statistics; it’s a symphony of dedication, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence that continues to inspire the next generation on the canvas of the beautiful game.
